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Bomb-proof fabric 'could protect aircraft holds'

28 June 2011

A new fabric that is bomb-proof could be used to keep luggage on board flights.

Developed by an international team, including scientists from University of Sheffield, the material is flexible as well as resistant to explosions.

It has been designed to go around luggage kept in the hold of planes in order to enhance safety.

University of Sheffield spinout company Blastech has been working on the Fly-Bag project, which combines layers of innovative coatings, composites and fabrics in a way that is intended to absorb a bomb explosion and prevent aircraft from being damaged.

It makes use of Shear Thickening Fluids (STF), which increase in viscosity when a blast takes place and could also be used in the future to develop body armour.

"This low weight, removable solution would seem to be a paradigm shift in the hardening of aircraft structures," said Dr Jim Warren of the university's Department of Civil and Structural Engineering.

In other aerospace news, the Civil Aviation Authority has approved an application for dedicated air space from the Welsh Government that will assist with the development of unmanned aircraft.